The ABCs of Religious Transmission
When my husband and I were in our 40s, shortly after the births of our two children, we became believers in Christ....
About Shannon
Dr. Shannon Downing is a researcher, educator, and mother with a lifelong passion for helping children grow in Christ.
Shannon discovered her calling in an unexpected place—a first-grade classroom where six-year-olds asked profound questions about God that textbooks couldn't answer. What began as curiosity about curriculum evolved into a lifelong passion for understanding how faith actually takes root in young hearts.
She began her career as a public school teacher before becoming a believer and raising her own children. Over the years, she homeschooled, taught in co-ops, and eventually helped open a classical Christian school, where she has served as a teacher, board member, and head of school.
More than anything, Shannon believes that faith grows through relationships—through quiet conversations, shared practices, and consistent love. She’s been married to her husband Gary for 35 years and has two grown daughters. When she’s not reading classic literature or visiting a museum, you might find her watching dolphins in the bay or driving her Jeep with the windows down.
She began her career as a public school teacher before becoming a believer and raising her own children. Over the years, she homeschooled, taught in co-ops, and eventually helped open a classical Christian school, where she has served as a teacher, board member, and head of school.
More than anything, Shannon believes that faith grows through relationships—through quiet conversations, shared practices, and consistent love. She’s been married to her husband Gary for 35 years and has two grown daughters. When she’s not reading classic literature or visiting a museum, you might find her watching dolphins in the bay or driving her Jeep with the windows down.
Shannon's Credentials
Shannon holds a Ph.D. in Instruction and Curriculum from Liberty University, a Master’s in Elementary Education from the University of Florida, and a Bachelor’s in Multinational Business from Florida State University.
Her academic work blends Scripture with social science to study how children develop lasting faith. She draws from research and real-life experience to explain why Christian education is important and to explore how families, churches, and schools shape spiritual formation.
Her academic work blends Scripture with social science to study how children develop lasting faith. She draws from research and real-life experience to explain why Christian education is important and to explore how families, churches, and schools shape spiritual formation.
About Christian Formation Research & Consulting
Shannon founded Christian Formation Research & Consulting out of a desire to serve the broader faith community with both research and practical insight.
As she pursued her Ph.D., it became clear that lasting faith in children isn’t shaped by curriculum alone, but by the relationships and rhythms of home, church, and school.
This work is her way of helping parents, pastors, teachers, and leaders understand why Christian education is important—and embrace the sacred calling of forming faith that endures.
This work is her way of helping parents, pastors, teachers, and leaders understand why Christian education is important—and embrace the sacred calling of forming faith that endures.
